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2001 Acura Cl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cl years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Acura Cl are substantially higher than the model-year median of 52.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

177 reports with mileage · 94 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 206 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports2 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

271 reports
190,000 miles · Jun 29, 2020
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED DICK HANNAH ACURA OF PORTLAND (12030 SE STARK ST, PORTLAND, OR 97216, (503) 506-8572) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED DICK HANNAH ACURA OF PORTLAND (12030 SE STARK ST, PORTLAND, OR 97216, (503) 506-8572) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11331477

33,600 miles · Jun 25, 2020
Air BagsPower Train

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2001!ACURA CL WAS RECALLED AND THE COMPANY NEVER CONTACTED ME ABOUT IT! I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 5/28/20 WITH NO TITLE BUT I DO HAVE A BILL OF SALE ON A NOTEBOOK PIECE OF PAPER BUT ANYWAYS I SAW WHERE THERE WAS RECALLS FOR SOME PARTS ON MY VEHICLE AND WAS RESEARCHING UP ON THIS STUFF AND CAME ACROSS TH…

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THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2001!ACURA CL WAS RECALLED AND THE COMPANY NEVER CONTACTED ME ABOUT IT! I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 5/28/20 WITH NO TITLE BUT I DO HAVE A BILL OF SALE ON A NOTEBOOK PIECE OF PAPER BUT ANYWAYS I SAW WHERE THERE WAS RECALLS FOR SOME PARTS ON MY VEHICLE AND WAS RESEARCHING UP ON THIS STUFF AND CAME ACROSS THE INFORMATION THAT MY AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN RECALLED...WHAT POSSIBLY IS THERE TO DO ABOUT THIS SITUATION? PLEASE AND THANK YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!! HERE IS MY CAMPAIGN ID '04V176000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11330745

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2020
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GOLD COAST ACURA (3195 PERKIN AVE, VENTURA, CA 93003; (805) 642-3600) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE.…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GOLD COAST ACURA (3195 PERKIN AVE, VENTURA, CA 93003; (805) 642-3600) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11328125

102,000 miles · May 18, 2020
Air BagsPower TrainCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHIFTING GEARS TO REVERSE IN HIS GARAGE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO HIS GARAGE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHIFTING GEARS TO REVERSE IN HIS GARAGE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO HIS GARAGE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER ACURA OF HONOLULU (3251 N NIMITZ HWY, HONOLULU, HI 96819, (808) 829-3073) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000. *LN*JB *BF CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11325068

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2020
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE MEDIAN STRIP ANOTHER VEHICLE T-BONED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG DID DE…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE MEDIAN STRIP ANOTHER VEHICLE T-BONED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT ON HER FOREARM THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ALSO NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SALVAGE YARD AND WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE SALVAGE YARD TWO YEARS LATER. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V-027000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11320328

150,455 miles · Mar 26, 2020
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GETTLE ACURA LOCATED AT (4891 CLARK RD, SARASOTA, FL 34233, (941) 343-5700) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT REMEDY PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN A YEAR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,455. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11319306

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2020
Air Bags

A RECALL WAS ISSUED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO FOR MY AIRBAGS. THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL FROM ACURA (I FOUND OUT ON THE WEB). PREVIOUSLY, I HAD CONTACTED ACURA BY MAIL AND WAS TOLD OVER THE PHONE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR MY AIRBAGS TO BE FIXED WHEN THE FIRST TAKATA RECALLS HAPP…

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A RECALL WAS ISSUED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO FOR MY AIRBAGS. THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL FROM ACURA (I FOUND OUT ON THE WEB). PREVIOUSLY, I HAD CONTACTED ACURA BY MAIL AND WAS TOLD OVER THE PHONE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR MY AIRBAGS TO BE FIXED WHEN THE FIRST TAKATA RECALLS HAPPENED IN 2016). MY CAR IS WITHOUT A DOUBT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE ATTACHED THE ORIGINAL LETTER I WROTE THEM BASED ON OUR CONVERSATIONS. THEY DO HAVE MY CONTACT INFORMATION! THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THE DELAY IN NOTIFYING ME OR IN REPAIRING MY AIRBAGS.

NHTSA ODI #11318863

100,000 miles · Feb 17, 2020
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH, MY CAR SUDDENLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, ENGINE REVVING AND SMOKE POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD GOTTEN NO WARNING AT ALL.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON AND THE CAR HAD NO PRIOR INSTANCES OF GEAR PROBLEMS. HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME WHERE IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD A …

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH, MY CAR SUDDENLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, ENGINE REVVING AND SMOKE POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD GOTTEN NO WARNING AT ALL.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON AND THE CAR HAD NO PRIOR INSTANCES OF GEAR PROBLEMS. HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME WHERE IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #11309666

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2019
Electrical System

THE LEFT WINDOW GOES DOWN BUT NOT IN GOING UP =STOP IN THE LOWER PART

NHTSA ODI #11288785

163,000 miles · Jun 1, 2019
Air BagsEnginePower Train

TAKATA RECALL. MY TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP.???

NHTSA ODI #11217265

Official recalls

3

20V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 17, 2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

20V027000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 17, 2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

04V176000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 15, 2004

ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE02081 · Automatic Transmission Sudden Downshift

Opened Oct 28, 2002 · Closed Mar 5, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.